Read Isaiah 47.
This is an amazing prophecy regarding the end of the Babylonian Empire.
Dethroned and disgraced, the once powerful kingdom that ruled from India
to Africa will be no more. God had used the Babylonians to discipline the
kingdom of Judah and take them captive for 70 years.
Babylon's demise happened quickly, as the LORD foretold in verse 9, "In a
moment, in one day." Daniel 5 needed only two verses at the end of
the chapter to recount what took place. Immediately, the Medes and
Persians came to world power.
What was behind the downfall of this mighty empire?
"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."
(Proverbs 16:18)
Notice the quotes from God concerning the Babylonians. This reminds us
again that God hears our every word, knows the thoughts of our hearts, and
watches our every action.
1. "You felt secure in your wickedness." (v.10a)
They thought they could sin and get away with it.
2. "You said, 'No one sees me.'" (v.10b)
They thought, if there is a God in heaven, He is far removed and does not care
about what I do.
3. "Your wisdom and your knowledge led you astray." (v.10c)
They thought they knew better than God about how to live and what guidance they
should follow.
4. "You said in your heart, 'I am and there is no one besides
me.'" (v.10d)
They thought that they arrived where they were by their own doing and they
would be the masters of their fate. False thinking led them to believe they
could live with no accountability to the LORD.
So, God challenged them to go on and depend upon their own made up spiritualism
(v.12) and their belief in astrology (v.13). See if they can save you in
the time of trouble and terror. All of it will prove to be futile and a
waste of time when real help is needed.
There is only One who can save.
"'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.' Submit
yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." (James 4:6b-8a)
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